How to Set Up a Laser Printer for a Home Computer

A laser printer for your home office or home computer is an important device, so make sure you set it up correctly. Follow these directions to set up a laser printer for a home computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laser printer
• Computer

Setup 101

1. Assemble your printer. Open up the box and find a quick set up guide. Remove the printer from the box and find all the necessary parts. Set the printer down on a flat surface; assemble trays and install toners and drums.

2. Install the drivers. Unless the directions say otherwise, install your drivers before connecting to the computer.

3. Insert the drivers CD into your computer. Now, follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Connect the printer to your computer. Click "Start > Settings" followed by "Printers and Faxes." Then go to "Add Printer > Select Local Printer Attached to this Computer." Next, select "Automatically Detect and Install." If drivers cannot be found, select "Have Disk" and browse to your CD drive.

5. Get connected. Using USB, parallel cables, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, connect your printer to your computer.

6. Make sure all of your plugs are firmly placed into the right spot.

7. Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To add a Bluetooth printer, open up your Bluetooth manager and detect the printer. Or use the "Add Printer Wizard" and select “Detect a Printer on the Network.”

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a wired printer wireless by purchasing a Bluetooth print adapter. These can plug right into the USB port.
• You can download updated drivers from the manufacturer’s Web site. Look for a support section.
• You can share your wireless printers with other machines.
• Be sure to secure your network by using a passkey and making your computer non-discoverable.